Look on the Bright Side! Albinism Fellowship's 2017 adult & family weekend conference

Look on the Bright Side!

The theme of this years Albinism Fellowship UK & Ireland adult & family weekend conference is Look on the Bright Side! That is to say that whilst recognising the difficulites and issues there can be associated with having albinism, a focus on the bright side of life can lead us to look at the solutions available to us and the positives there are or can be in our lives. Humour is also a great coping mechanism so there's a bit of that in our choice of theme, recognising the impact of and association with bright light & glare for those affected by albinism!

What's the event about?

Living life to the full despite albinism often requires knowledge and understanding of a variety of key topics related to the condition; and the sharing of personal and professional experience of albinism is essential to this. The conference and a small exhibition of relevant providers of equipment, aids and services aims to achieve all of this in a positive, sociable, relaxed and supportive environment for families.

What is albinism?

This popular, well established and respected weekend biannual event is run by the all volunteer charity Albinsim Fellowship, which is concerned with the rare genetic condition Albinism. This condition causes a total lack or reduction of the pigment melanin in the eyes, hair and skin and involves a significant poor vision and visual distinctivness from birth.

The Venue

We are holding this fully residential conference and exhibition in Derbyshire from the afternoon of Friday 20th - lunchtime on Sunday 22nd October 2017 (with a day ticket option on the Saturday only for local residents) at The Hayes Conference Centre, a dedicated charity conference centre which provides affordable, modest accommodation and self-service catering in a friendly, supportive and hospitable venue. See www.cct.org.uk for more information about and directions to The Hayes.

New for 2017: pre-conference Adults with Albinism only Activity Day

New this year is the addition of a pre-conference Adults with Albinism only Activity Day. This extra day gives the opportunity for some dedidated group discussion, informal and structured activities (including crate-stacking), to help you get to know your fellow adult-delegates better prior to the main family weekend conference. The Adults with Albinism only day will run from the afternoon of Thursday 19th to early afternoon on Friday 20th October 2017. Although our expectation is that you will be staying on for the whole weekend some local adults may wish to use this event as a taster day as to what the organisation has to offer them or to simply connect with other adults affected by albinsim.

A warm welcome!

At the events we create a welcoming, friendly and supportive environment in which you can learn about albinism and related issues from the organisation, other attendees and professionals in medical, education and related fields and those with personal experience of albinism. The conference brings together people from throughout the UK & Ireland and sometimes internationally who are involved in and affected by albinism so they can speak to like-minded people, as well as, learn about the condition, related factors, and other relevant information. A selection of main (for everyone) and optional sesions (with several choices), discussion groups, social activities and a creche, as well as a programme of activities for children and young people, comprises our well-known semi-formal programme format.

Who we are

Albinism Fellowship has been helping people with albinism as well as their families, doctors and teachers to be hopeful, confident, supported and well informed about albinism and related issues for nearly 40 years. More information about the conference programme as it develops and our organisation can be found at www.albinism.org.uk

Questions, queries & booking

If you have any questions, would like to suggest session topics, help with the event in some way, or require additional information including about exhibition or sponsorship opportunities please contact us at conference@albinism.org.uk

We look forward to receiving your booking and welcoming you to the event in October!

The Trustees of Albinism Fellowship.